A recent article in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research reported on a study investigating the effect of the Atlas Orthogonal (AO) upper cervical adjustment on arterial blood pressure

A recent article in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research reported on a study investigating the effect of the Atlas Orthogonal (AO) upper cervical adjustment on arterial blood pressure (ABP).

Forty-two patients in a private chiropractic practice met and participated in the study. Upon x-ray, coordinate values were recorded as per the AO Technique. Pre and post adjustment ABP measurements were recorded for the following groups: Hypotensive, Normotensive, Pre-Hypertensive, Stage One Hypertensive, and Stage Two Hypertensive. Chicago-based Dr. Dawn Webster, D.C., who follows health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications states, "Atlas (the top vertebra) was adjusted utilizing the AO technique," said Dr. Webster, "and there were no adverse events recorded."

Hypotensive readings were those with systolic values equal to or less than 90 mmHg and diastolic values equal to or less than 60 mmHg. Normotensive readings were those with systolic values between 91 and 120 mmHg and diastolic values between 61 and 80 mmHG. Pre-hypertensive readings were those with systolic values between 121 and 139 mmHG and diastolic values between 81 and 89 mmHg.

Stage one and stage two hypertensive values were those with systolic measurements of 140 mmHg or above and diastolic measurements at or above 90mmHg. After all of the ABP's were recorded, there were 12 hypotensive readings, 12 normotensive readings, 10 pre-hypertensive readings, and 8 stage 1 or stage 2 hypertensive readings.

The results of this study found that the Pre-Hypertensive, Stage One Hypertensive and Stage Two Hypertensive groups had a statistically significant decrease in ABP. There was an increase in "These findings suggest realignment of the atlas does not simply lower ABP, but may also be part of a systemic homeostatic mechanism not yet completely understood." said Dr. Webster. "The same adjustment that decreased hypertensive ABP measurements also increased hypotensive ABP measurements to more normal levels."

"This is just one study of many showing how chiropractic can positively affect blood pressure and homeostasis," explained Dr. Webster, "and further research is recommended to explore the benefits of restoring optimal nervous system function by the correcting of subluxations."

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